He’s the boss. Those are the decisions he’s paid to make. Signing bonus still falls within the cap. It’s just lump sum instead of installments. Stay within your overall budget, and you shouldn’t need to get every move approved. Rocky could choose to be GM himself, but doesn’t.
- Ogilthorpe2

You are right, a manager has a budget, however they only have authority to spend up to X amount of that budget at one time, anything over the authorized amount has to be approved. This is normal process in any business, speaking from experience. Granted I never had an $81M budget, kind of hard to have that type of budget flipping burgers.

I am hoping Jones suffers a serious back injury that ends his career and they can LTIR him for the duration of the contract.


Solid contributor. There is a lofty goal for one of the highest paid d-men in the league.
- Elbows15

You seem to have a lot of malice in your heart! We’re you abused as a child?

@RussoHockey

#mnwild GM Bill Guerin says the Wild and #blackhawks will hold a prospect rookie tournament (2 games) at TRIA Rink the weekend before training camp. Next year, Minnesota's prospects will go to Chicago.

Wrong player, at the wrong time, for the wrong price (asset wise) IMO. The money matters not to me, although it seems a bit rich to me.
- Ogilthorpe2

Could be all correct, partially correct, or wrong. Time will tell.

I believe that a team needs a horse on defense and a horse at center. I think Stan believes he has the center in Dach. Seems he didn't think he had the defenseman in the stable. Not sure he got one, but the rationale is understandable, imo. Not sure it matters at what point in the process you get one, but gotta get one.

@RussoHockey

#mnwild GM Bill Guerin says the Wild and #blackhawks will hold a prospect rookie tournament (2 games) at TRIA Rink the weekend before training camp. Next year, Minnesota's prospects will go to Chicago.
- Theo Fox

Theo any rumblings with strome and big z being traded?

Theo any rumblings with strome and big z being traded?
- Scott1977

Nothing that I've seen or read but rumors are picking up in general and will even more after the draft is over.

You need to get a grip on lecturing people on how they post. This is a forum, people post messages, they comment on the workings on the team, many don't agree with what is going on, they voice that view.

Some people are making well thought out cogent argument as to why the trade was not good. They are not saying, "I am smarter than this or that guy", they are just making their opinions felt on an opinion medium. But it seems we got some people with the only responsibility to deflect any criticism of Lord Stanley. If Bowman can handle criticism he is in the wrong job. I assume he can handle it or he ignores it. Maybe you should follow his lead.

Oh yea many "professional hockey (any sport) people" are NOT competent at their jobs. Why would "professional hockey people" be different than incompetent doctors, lawyers, gas station clerks, waiters, etc.? Don't tell me GM is the only profession in the world where incompetence never exists. LMAO.
- kwolf68

Thanks for the lecture on how to post.

Connor Kelley
University of Minnesota - Duluth
6'' 1". 190
RD
Does anyone talk about him? Played #2. He takes good angles to seal off players. He's fast. He blows up plays before they develop. Is playing a role this year, has been an offensive defenseman every step of the way before the NTDP. -EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide

@brandonmcain

New #Blackhawks prospect Ilya Safonov (#2021NHLDraft sixth) is the Russian player that Kirby Dach collided with during a #WorldJuniors pre-tournament game and Dach broke his right wrist, which required surgery. Dach missed 34 games before he made his 2021 debut.

Awkward.
- Theo Fox

Good reason to draft him. Probably won't be injuring his own guys.

Theo any rumblings with strome and big z being traded?
- Scott1977

I have have a feeling the Hawks hang on to Strome until there is a little more clarity on Toews' possible return.

You need to get a grip on lecturing people on how they post. This is a forum, people post messages, they comment on the workings on the team, many don't agree with what is going on, they voice that view.

Some people are making well thought out cogent argument as to why the trade was not good. They are not saying, "I am smarter than this or that guy", they are just making their opinions felt on an opinion medium. But it seems we got some people with the only responsibility to deflect any criticism of Lord Stanley. If Bowman can handle criticism he is in the wrong job. I assume he can handle it or he ignores it. Maybe you should follow his lead.

Oh yea many "professional hockey (any sport) people" are NOT competent at their jobs. Why would "professional hockey people" be different than incompetent doctors, lawyers, gas station clerks, waiters, etc.? Don't tell me GM is the only profession in the world where incompetence never exists. LMAO.
- kwolf68

Aren't you lecturing him out on the very thing you feel he's doing wrong?

Aren't you lecturing him out on the very thing you feel he's doing wrong?
- HawkintheD

Aren't you lecturing him out on the very thing you feel he's doing wrong?
- HawkintheD

Seems that way.

Perhaps he's right, though. I'll take it under advisement.

Jalen Luypen, LW, Edmonton Oil Kings in 7th. Scored a bunch in a few games last year, not so much in previous years, wasn't taken in draft year.

It seems like a good idea to use these late picks on redrafts, although it hasn't really paid off since Shaw was drafted.

Smurf though, 5-10, 155.

Taige Harding

Humongous second year eligible defender who has taken the next step in developing with improving puck and recognition skills. At six foot seven, his wingspan lets him cover multiple assignments and ability at his size to pivot in protection, and displays shut down ability worthy of a mid-round selection. Not close to the player that didn't hear his name called last year. This is the next Colton Parayko in development.

(The Blackhawks traded a 2022 3rd rounder to Carolina)
- wiz1901

Interesting prospect and yes he was draft eligible last yr and passed over. Besides being 6ft 7in what jumped out his he played in the Brick Invitational (top 10 yr olds in NA) but not that Quebec thingy for Pee Wees. Always a good sign IMO.... Either Wheeler or Pronman had him as a sleeper and was sure to mention the kid can skate.

EP has him going to Providence this yr but he was drafted by USHL Fargo (an excellent program) this yr, (Morrow, Peart, Knies drafted out of that program today). They just finished their tryout camp and I saw the rosters and he didn't attend although many Canadians on USHL protected lists, or drafted like Harding, haven't come for camps cuz of the pandemic.

I asked around to a few Fargo fans if they've heard any word if the kid will play with Fargo this yr and am waiting for a response. Just might see this beast play in the lil ole USHL this coming yr.

You've seen film of the monster?

Hawks draft, nice resource here. Can see every team's draft: https://www.eliteprospect...ry-draft-coverage?team=56

Interesting prospect and yes he was draft eligible last yr and passed over. Besides being 6ft 7in what jumped out his he played in the Brick Invitational (top 10 yr olds in NA) but not that Quebec thingy for Pee Wees. Always a good sign IMO.... Either Wheeler or Pronman had him as a sleeper and was sure to mention the kid can skate.

EP has him going to Providence this yr but he was drafted by USHL Fargo (an excellent program) this yr, (Morrow, Peart, Knies drafted out of that program today). They just finished their tryout camp and I saw the rosters and he didn't attend although many Canadians on USHL protected lists, or drafted like Harding, haven't come for camps cuz of the pandemic.

I asked around to a few Fargo fans if they've heard any word if the kid will play with Fargo this yr and am waiting for a response. Just might see this beast play in the lil ole USHL this coming yr.

You've seen film of the monster?

Hawks draft, nice resource here. Can see every team's draft: https://www.eliteprospect...ry-draft-coverage?team=56
- Mr Ricochet

Rico, what's your take on the Hawks draft at this point?

Thanks Theo for the job you do!
While we all have our opinions on this trade, when does the leash break for Colliton and his staff? As we have all suffered through watching the poor play of this team, some questions come to mind:
1. When does the responsibility for continuing to use poor schematics get held accountable? Can't keep pounding a square peg into a round hole. Special teams are a joke, Defensive zone scheme sucks.
- Power29

Hey Power29. I'll answer your questions one by one in separate posts.

For your first question, I agree implementation of the system needs to improve but the onus falls on both the coaching staff and the players.

For the coaches, one could argue that the system is wrong but that's a tough call to make with the Hawks system because many other teams use the same one.

Instead, it boils down to fundamentals taking priority over any system, i.e. systems aren't worth crap unless basic hockey fundamentals are taught (by coaches) and applied (by players).

For instance, if your team isn't routinely protecting the net or is having multiple players chasing the same opponent, then the system needs some tweaking as that can't all be on the players.

For the players, it's all about execution. Systems are also inevitable to breakdown during game play so it's crucial for them to continuing employing fundamentals until structure is regained otherwise chaos ensues.

2. If our head coach's strength is developing young players, who have we seen develop? Example: Hagel's energy and play are intrinsically motivated and are not Coach based.... Boqvist? Bye bye & don't let the door hit you in the a**! Strome has diminished.
- Power29

At the NHL level, it should be more about development of team structure rather than individual development.

For the latter, that's what player development staff are in charge of like Campbell, Condra, Coyne Schofield, Kunitz, Perreault, etc. plus the Hogs coaching staff.

In that regard, I think the Hawks organization does a decent job (at least a better job than in the past) to develop prospects so they're ready to compete in the NHL upon getting called up.

More and more Hawks prospects aren't sinking in the NHL or just treading water but actually contributing.

This past season with all the rookies who dotted the roster, Regula was the only one who showed he wasn't ready. To be honest, he shouldn't have been recalled as his game in the AHL was so-so.

On that note, there's the reverse where Mitchell started in the NHL right away and hit a wall pretty hard. Some time in the AHL would do him a world of good for the long term.

Also, Beaudin has been up and down from the minors and could stand to marinate a tad longer.

3. AGAIN The Hawks Special Teams are a joke. Why is there no change?
- Power29

This is where I agree that the PP at least needs a new scheme for zone entries, puck and player movement, and play set up.

The PK isn't as bad and may be attributed more to execution by players.

4. Since Kampf's only value is at the dot, why isn't someone else being groomed for that role that has an offensive pulse?
- Power29

Entwistle could be one of those being groomed to replace Kampf eventually. He needs more time in the NHL so it's fine to keep him at wing then shift him to the middle in due course.

There's also Saarela who is in Finland for another year. He's a hybrid of Kampf and Kruger but with more offense.

Del Mastro was rated 89, got him at 105 so that breaks the pattern..................

Sure looks like they are drafting big strong Dman that can clear the crease and block shots.

I don't know any of them, so I can't really comment, but no female doging about Euro Smurfs today
- vabeachbear

Victor Stjernborg dropped too. Rated about #70 and Hawks got him at #108.

Victor Stjernborg
Swedish Centre-wing with good size, good speed, decent hands and shot. Creative playmaker who passes the puck well and displays nice puck handling skills and and anticipation of his linemate's next moves. HIs understanding of his required defense responsibilities might even be ahead of where is offensive game is. He is not an offensive impact player, but is shifty and prefers to be the one carrying the bread (sometimes a bit longer than he should). likes to play at a high-tempo pace and that is how he creates opportunities. Can finish plays with good surprise shots. Hustles to get back in his end and is accomplished without the puck back there. His skating rates as above-average but everything else is average. Projects as a shutdown defensive NHL forward if he puts the work into his development.

--Bill Plazcek--
- wiz1901

Nice work here, Wiz. EP likes the kid's motor:

Stjernborg has one of the biggest and best motors in the draft. He can run up and down the ice, cover its width a few times, and still have energy for one last rush, one last desperate backcheck or race to a loose puck before a change. He plays with control. He applies himself in his every defensive technique -- angling, shot-blocking, shoulder-checking, puck-sealing, etc. -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide

Anything more than 6 years at 6 per Is retarded In the Seth Jones ordeal, This was NOT a blockbuster, The move Is a gigantic dumpster fire.

Anything more than 6 years at 6 per Is retarded In the Seth Jones ordeal, This was NOT a blockbuster, The move Is a gigantic dumpster fire.
- Shady1962

Very un-dude.

Ethan Del Mastro

Big strong defenseman who gets up and down the sheet easily. Outmuscles the opposing players for pucks, and won't be moved from his anchor when in front of his crease. Don't try and take advantage of his teammates with cheapie, because he erupts into a Hulk-like mean streak. Is effect with the puck, quickly advancing it and finding passing lanes in transition, quickly hitting his outlets. uses his long stick and reach to snag loose pucks out of traffic. Places hard shots on net from the blue line. Pinches to sustain pressure. Must work on his lateral agility, but he is a hockey player. Was a member of the Canada’s 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship team.
- wiz1901

His Indy teammates will love him for the next 8 years before he starts selling insurance.